GILLINGHAM'S youth team manager Kevin Bremner insists he will leave the club at the end of the month with his head held high.

Bremner, 45, says he had not lost confidence in his own ability, despite the club's shock decision in March to make him redundant. He was given three months to find himself a new job.

Speaking for the first time since being declared surplus to requirements, the man who became chairman Paul Scally's first appointment when he bought the club in June, 1995 emphasised his determination to break back into the game.

He said: "What happened was a blow, especially as this is such a bad time to be without a job in football. But I've faith in my own ability and I'm working on trying to get back into the game as quickly as I can.

"I stand by my record at Gillingham with regard to youth development. Five of the team that beat Crystal Palace on the last day of the season had come through the youth ranks which was immensely satisfying.

"And everything is in place for more of the club's younger players to come through into the first team. Jimmy Corbett, Nyron Nosworthy, Danny Spiller, Jones Awuah and Akwasi Edusei all broke through from the youth scheme and I believe Gillingham supporters will be hearing plenty about Ashley Carew in the near future.

He stressed: "Since the news was announced, I've been touched by the messages of goodwill I've received from many of the younger players, particularly Jones Awuah, and so many supporters."

Looking to the future, the former Colchester, Millwall and Reading striker, is resigned to the fact that he might have to move home from Medway back to his native Scotland. But with a son and daughter taking important exams, he is reluctant to make the move now.

He said: "There may be a job at my old club Millwall. I don't know. I've spoken to Dave Mehmet who looks after their youth academy and something might develop.

"The main thing is that I can leave Gillingham knowing that I made a contribution to the club's well-being."